Zelenski warns Russia of plans to send 30,000 additional North Korean soldiers

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenski warned that Russia is preparing to send an additional 30,000 North Korean soldiers to strengthen its forces in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian intelligence, preparations for the admission of troops proceed in the south-western Vorone region of Russia.

In addition to the workforce, Pyongyang is besides preparing to hand over Moscow's additional ballistic rocket launchers. Zelenski warned that this deepening military alliance poses a serious safety threat that goes far beyond Europe's borders.

Key conclusions from the speech by Zelenski

• Risk to regional security: Zelenski stressed that Russia provides North Korea with real combat experience and helps it improve weapon technology, which poses a direct threat to Asian countries within scope of North Korean missiles.

• Growing losses in Russia: Zelenski referred to intelligence data indicating that Russia recruited about 221,000 soldiers in the first 7 months of 2026, but suffered nearly 225,500 casualties during the same period (including 131,000 killed and 93,000 wounded).

• Insufficient medical care on frontline: A advanced mortality rate among injured Russian soldiers was attributed to “catastrophicly weak” medical care in the field.

• Autumn mobilization: Due to large losses, the Kremlin prepares the ground for further national drafts, masked by another administrative measures.